Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes

It is possible to develop
gestational diabetes
with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing gestational diabetes. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk.

Risk factors for gestational diabetes include:

Studies found that women with a
body mass index
(BMI) of 25.0 to 29.9 (classified as overweight) are at an increased risk of gestational diabetes. If your BMI is over 30, you are at an even greater risk.

If you had gestational diabetes with a previous pregnancy, this puts you at risk for developing the condition again.

Being older (eg, 35 years or older) may increase your risk of gestational diabetes.

If you have a first-degree relative (parents, siblings) with diabetes, your risk of gestational diabetes is increased.

You may be at an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes if you are:

Hispanic American

Native American

Asian American

African American

Pacific Islander

If you delivered a baby who was abnormally large at birth (called
macrosomia), this increases your chance of gestational diabetes in your next pregnancy.

What I need to know about gestational diabetes. National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC) website. Available at:
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/gestational/#7. Updated December 6, 2011. Accessed August 17, 2012.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.